Illinois woman pleads guilty to unlawful restraint

QUINCY - Authorities say a central Illinois woman facing accusations of locking her 5-year-old son in a basement has pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint.

According to Assistant State's Attorney Josh Jones, Tricia Franklin reached a plea deal with prosecutors so Franklin's son wouldn't have to testify against his mother.

Authorities say on Easter Sunday, Quincy police officers performed a well-being check at Franklin's home. Upon arriving, officers say they found the child in the basement. Authorities say the child showed officers how Franklin tied a rope around his legs.

Franklin has been in custody on $20,000 bond since her arrest in April. A sentencing date is scheduled for mid-December. Franklin faces up to 27 months in prison.